Dieting makes you gain more weight in the long run because it lowers your metabolism

At the same time, you may also want to know whether the weight you’re losing is coming from fat rather than muscle or water

[{"selector":"#anim-51d0331d-db57-4eeb-8941-106845af3293 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(10.874576933679117%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

This article reviews the stages of weight loss, the difference between weight loss and fat loss, and tips for preventing weight regain

[{"selector":"#anim-11c2d7f6-7547-4d9a-9dfc-d9b9ade9b401 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The first stage of weight loss is when you tend to lose the most weight and begin to notice changes in your appearance and how your clothes fit

[{"selector":"#anim-4e931c39-d3e7-4aea-8fde-6e739debc257 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Most of the weight loss in this stage comes from carb stores, protein, and water — and to a lesser extent, body fat

[{"selector":"#anim-a370f206-0979-442d-a55c-4709546e3abc [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Weight loss in the second stage occurs at a much slower rate, but it primarily comes from body fat, generally after 6 weeks and beyond

[{"selector":"#anim-55177f91-b201-47e4-bd95-ae4175b7ad2d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

At times, you may experience a weight loss plateau during which you experience little to no weight loss

[{"selector":"#anim-724c20a7-f1ce-4ce6-8b55-642387468bf7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Weight loss plateaus can occur due to metabolic adaptations that decrease your metabolism and the number of calories you burn while exercising

[{"selector":"#anim-db3dac2d-f138-483b-aefe-a6b1a071bd3c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Learn more